Copycat Panera Bread Cinnamon Crunch Bagel

Total Time Prep: 40 mins. + rising Bake: 20 min.
Yield 12 bagels
Test Kitchen Approved
Pass the cream cheese—this copycat Panera Bread cinnamon crunch bagel recipe tastes just like the real deal.

Ingredients

  • 2-1/4 cups warm water (110° to 115°)
  • 3-1/4 teaspoons instant or active dry yeast
  • 6 cups bread flour
  • 1-1/2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
  • 3 teaspoons salt
  • 8 cups water
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1 egg white, room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • CINNAMON CRUNCH TOPPING:
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 2-1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Directions

  1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a hook attachment, combine the warm water and yeast and allow to proof for 5 minutes. Add flour, brown sugar and salt, and mix for 2-3 minutes on your mixer’s lowest setting. Turn dough onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together butter, brown sugar, cinnamon and flour until well-combined; set aside.
  3. Preheat oven to 425°. Punch down dough. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces (about 4 ounces or 110g) and shape into smooth balls. Push thumb through center of each, stretching and shaping to form an even ring with a 1-in. hole. Place on a floured surface. Cover with kitchen towels; let rest 10 minutes.
  4. Fill a Dutch oven with water, add honey; bring to a boil. Drop bagels, two at a time, into boiling water. Cook 45 seconds; turn and cook 45 seconds longer. Remove with a slotted spoon; drain well on paper towels. Place 2 in. apart on greased or parchment-lined baking sheets.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together egg white and 1 tablespoon water, brush over bagels. Crumble cinnamon sugar crunch over bagels.
  6. Bake until golden brown, 20-25 minutes. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.
What happens when you take the ingredients of your favorite cereal and mix them with your bagel dough? You get a deliciously cinnamon-sugar-crusted bagel that pairs heavenly with a heavy schmear of cream cheese. —Lauren Habermehl, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Recipe Creator

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